The Festival Capital of West Cork
Clonakilty must surely be the festival capital of West Cork, with events throughout the year. The festival and tourist season kicks off in March with the St. Patrick’s Day parade and West Cork Rally. Two stages of the rally are usually held through Ardfield and surrounding roads, so can be viewed after just a short walk from Ballynoe House. The year’s events, including other noted West Cork events, include:
- March: West Cork Rally, St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- April: Jazz Festival (Ballydehob)
- May: Noel Redding Anniversary Gig
- June: Clonakilty Agricultural Show, Clonakilty Bicycle Festival, Clonakilty Organic Arts Festival, Clonakilty Street Carnival, Music Festival (Bandon), Midsummer Festival (Cork city), Chamber Music Festival (Bantry)
- July: Random Acts of Kindness Festival, Ultra Marathon & Festival of the Bard, Arts Festival (Skibbereen), Horse Fair (Rosscarbery)
- August: Ardfield Summer Festival (including the Sandscove Fishing Competition), Courtmacsherry Harbour Festival, Rosscarbery Family Festival, Timoleague Summer Festival
- September: Clonakilty Guitar Festival, A Taste of West Cork, Folk Festival (Cork city)
- October/November: Samhain (Celtic New Year and celebration of ancient Celtic rituals), Jazz Festival (Cork city), Fringe Jazz Festival (Kinsale), Gourmet Festival (Kinsale), Film Festival (Cork city)
- December: Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon (part of the route usually passes through or close to Ardfield)
Clonakilty Samhain 2017 (Photo: Michael Plaice)
Clonakilty Samhain 2017 (Photo: Michael Plaice)
An up-to-date events list can be found on the local website. There are many other annual festivals held in towns and villages throughout West Cork.
Clonakilty, West Cork